Bhubaneswar, May 11: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi joined devotees at Ekamra Kshetra today to celebrate the Somnath Swabhiman Festival, commemorating 75 years since the restoration of the Somnath Temple in Gujarat.

During the event, Majhi described the Somnath Temple as the western lookout of India and Lingaraj Temple as the eastern symbol of unyielding spiritual strength. He, along with devotees at Lingaraj Peeth, watched the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from Prabhas Patan, Gujarat.

Recalling Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s pivotal role in rebuilding Somnath in 1951, the Chief Minister said the restoration marked the beginning of India’s cultural resurgence. He highlighted that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India is now witnessing a renewed wave of cultural revival, emphasizing that faith and resilience have ensured Somnath’s rebirth despite repeated invasions.

Majhi announced major initiatives to strengthen Odisha’s cultural and spiritual foundations, including a Rs 330 crore development plan for Ekamra Kshetra and a Rs 1,000 crore project for the Shree Jagannath Museum. He also stressed promoting the “Orange Economy,” leveraging culture-driven tourism to generate local employment and position Odisha as India’s cultural capital.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari highlighted Somnath’s role as a beacon of India’s self-respect during times of crisis. The event was also attended by Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, Culture Secretary Dr Vijay Ketan Upadhyay, and Khordha Collector Amrit Rituraj.

Concluding his address, CM Majhi urged Odias to contribute to building a prosperous Odisha and a developed India, inspired by Patel’s courage and Modi’s vision.